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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with ZZ Clark

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Grand Blanc forward Ty Rodgers (23) shoots a free throw against Ann Arbor Huron during the second half of the MHSAA Division 1 boys state final at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Saturday, April 10, 2021.
Grand Blanc forward Ty Rodgers (23) shoots a free throw against Ann Arbor Huron during the second half of the MHSAA Division 1 boys state final at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Saturday, April 10, 2021. /

No. 3 Guard/Forward

Starter: Ty Rodgers (JR)

Over the next couple of seasons, Illinois will have quite a few players who have a chance to develop into elite college basketball talents. One of those players I am excited to watch develop is Ty Rodgers. He is someone who is coming into the program with a ton of hype and already has the body to be dominant in the Big Ten.

Rodgers is a four-star recruit who is ranked as the No. 54 player in the class of 2022. He is also the No. 9 power forward in the nation and the best player coming out of the state of Illinois. Rodgers is listed as a power forward according to the recruiting sites, but I am going to slot him in as the starting No. 3 on the Illini in 2024. He gives me Malcolm Hill vibes but seems a little stronger and quicker than Hill. Rodgers can hit shots from anywhere on the floor, though.

Backup: Scholarship #3

Over the next few seasons, one of the scholarships that need to be used should go to another player who can play the wing. Rodgers is going to need a backup who can help spell minutes. This is where the coaching staff can have some creativity. It doesn’t need to be someone who leans more towards the forward position. This can be a knockdown shooting guard. Rodgers will need a backup.

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